The Kruger National Park (KNP) lies in the north-east of South Africa and runs along the border of Mozambique in the east, Zimbabwe in the north, and the southern border is the Crocodile River. The park covers 20,000 square kilometers and is divided in 14 different ecozones, each supporting different wildlife. It is one of the main attractions of South Africa and it is considered the flagship of South African National Parks.

The park was established in 1898 by the South African President Paul Kruger as a protected area for wildlife and it opened its gates to the general public in 1927 for the first time. Here you can see the best of African flora and fauna such as Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalos often referred as the “Big five”.

There are 9 different gates of the KNP and the distance from Johannesburg to each of these gates is approximately as follows:

Numbi gate: 411 km

Malelane gate: 428 km

Phabeni gate: 430-440 km

Crocodile Bridge gate: 475 km

Paul Kruger gate: 460-470 km

Orpen: 490 km

Phalaborwa: 490 km

Punda Maria: 550 km

Parfuri: 600 km

Take note that KNP gates are closed after sunset and visitors are not permitted to drive at night in the park. There are number of private game reserves near KNP which conduct night safaris and bush walks.

“Battle at Kruger” – The famous amateur video (8min 23sec)

Attractions

The world distinguished Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. A large selection of wildlife Safari Tours are available in Kruger Game Reserve. These guided safari tours normally depart from Johannesburg and include a trip through the Mpumalanga panoramic route to Kruger Park. All meals are included and accommodation varies from staying in chalets to camping in large dome-tents in the Southern or Central regions of the park. Airport or accommodation pickups and drop offs are also arranged.

Best time of the year to visit Kruger National Park is between May & September.

Here is a YouTube channel that offers the Latest Kruger Sightings for your viewing pleasure:

The Big Five animals refer to the most difficult animals to hunt in Africa, a term that was invented years ago when hunting in Africa by Europeans was in vogue. Today, spotting the Big Five is the quest of anyone on a safari. The…

Guided morning and afternoon Bush Walks are possible at all the larger camps, including Satara, Skukuza, Lower Sabie and Pretoriuskop, and many smaller ones as well. These are highly popular and a fine way to experience Kruger at close range. All walks are accompanied…

Travel

Kruger National Park is very well connected by air and road. Closest international airport is the O.R. Tambo International Airport at Johannesburg, South Africa with direct connection for major international flights. There are also flights available from Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban to Kruger National Park which hosts 3 air strips at Phalaborwa (Northern Kruger Park), Hoedspruit (Central Kruger Park) and Nelspruit (Southern Kruger Park) respectively.

Every traveler entering South Africa is required to show a passport valid for at least 6 months and the passport must also contain at least one unused page for endorsements. A visa is required for entry into South Africa for most people but no…

Tips

Consult your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before your travel to ensure all precautionary medication and vaccinations are taken care of.

Check the weather conditions during your travel dates to ensure right type of clothing. Click here to view Current Weather

Some important items to carry during your trip are insect repellent, torch light and a cap/hat.

Respecting speed limits inside the KNP is mandatory. Big game is crossing the roads in the park without any warning and an upset elephant is not easy to deal with – the same applies for rhinos and giraffe bulls. Speed limits are 50km/h on tarred roads and 40km/h on gravel roads.

You must not get out of your car inside the Kruger National Park unless you reach a designated place like viewpoints or between the yellow lines on high water bridges. These are camps, picnic places and designated view points.

You are not allowed to drive at dark through the park (the gates normally close and open in daylight).

Firearms must be declared and sealed at the entrance gate.

No pets are permitted in the KNP

Do not feed animals for you own safety as well as for the animal well-being.

Avoid wearing very bright cloths and fragrant perfumes while on game drives.

South African Rand (ZAR) is the most widely used currency in South Africa but other international currencies like USD ($), EUR (€) & GBP (£) can be easily exchanged.

There are plenty of ATMs just outside Arrivals at OR Tambo International Airport and also at the downtown Johannesburg.

1 Comment Added

Literally up to now, Kruger National Park is the coolest Safari i have ever been at, its so awesome, i remember when i went there last year, it was an epic experience for me. Thanks to the trip advisers they made this possible. Reply